A PARLIAMENTARY researcher was yesterday awarded the literary medal at the Urdd Eisteddfod.

Catrin Dafydd, from Carmarthen, won the competition for a series of 10 poems based on a theme of leaving and returning.

The 23-year-old said they were inspired by Cardiff and the massive regeneration of the city "It is important that literature about Cardiff is written in Welsh. There is great interest in Welsh in the city," she said.

Her work impressed adjudicator Angharad Price who said: "By the skilful joining of word and vision and by knowing when to refrain, Crwydryn (Catrin's nom de plume) created an original and striking voice."

Catrin studied Welsh and politics at Aberystwyth university. She was elected president of the students' union and led protests for more Welsh language education.

She now works as a researcher and community officer for Plaid Cymru MP Adam Price and AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas.

The art, design and technology medal was presented to Telaid Alaw from Ysgol y Berwyn, Bala, during yesterday's opening ceremony.

Awarded for the best piece of work by 12-17-year-olds judges said the 15-year-old's pottery showed "massive promise".

Telaid started visiting Glasfryn Pottery, near Pentrefoelas, when she was six-years-old.

Since then she has competed in the pottery section at the Urdd Eisteddfod each year winning her age group in 2001, 2003 and 2004.

Last night Telaid paid tribute to Glasfryn Pottery owners John and Kate Heath for their advice and help.

"Without their help none of this would have been possible," she said..

Telaid has also enjoyed success on the Eisteddfod stage in reciting and alaw werin competitions.

She'll be back competing later this week with the school choir and a recitation party.

The scholarship for the most original work by an 18-25 year old artist was awarded to Cardiff's Helen Ognjenovic-Morgan.

Cautious welcome for unique event

CARDIFF'S Eisteddfod Maes was given a cautious welcome by eisteddfodwyr yesterday.

Hailed as "unique" by organisers, it takes in the former docklands of Tiger Bay and Butetown, the area around the Roald Dahl Plas, the Wales Millennium Centre, Britannia Park, the waterfront and land by the Assembly building.

The event has seen streets closed to make room for the fairground and hundreds of stalls.

Green space can be found near the Norwegian Church which has been transformed into a playing field for the week.

Yesterday's sunshine and warm temperatures meant there was little need for straw and duckboards to avoid the wet weather which blighted last year's Eisteddfod on Anglesey.

Betty Williams, from Waunfawr, near Caernarfon, brought granddaughters Eleri, 7, and eight-year-old Sian to the event.

The 59-year-old said: "It's a wonderful stage. The theatre is beautiful but it's a bit daunting for these little ones. Cardiff Bay is full of big, expensive buildings but I'm not sure if this is really what the Urdd Eisteddfod is about."

But student Catrin Evans, 21, from Roath, said: "I really like the Maes. It shows Cardiff to the visitors and gives the residents of the city a chance to see people doing something in Welsh.

"It reinforces the Welshness of the city."

There was indifference yesterday from some locals and confusion among football fans before yesterday's big match at the Millennium Stadium.

One resident said: "There's something going on but I don't know what it's about."

Preston North End fans Glen McNicholas and wife Clare from Darwen, Lancs, were in Cardiff for their team's Championship play-off against West Ham.

Clare, 46, said: "I wanted a quick wander round the Millennium Centre but to do that I'll have to pay £10 to get in."

Urdd officials hope to stage the Urdd Eisteddfod, Europe's biggest youth festival, at the Millennium Centre every four years.

* What do you think of the Eisteddfod in the Bay? Let the Daily Post know by calling our team on 07769 671968 or send an email to erylcrump@dailypost.co.uk